Firstly, the definition and connotation of marine tribology have been fully analyzed. Marine tribology involves the problems of internal friction and external friction, where the former includes the friction problems existing in the friction pairs of main engine，auxiliary engine and propulsion shafting system, while the latter mainly included the friction between deck superstructures, goods and atmospher, stern shaft bracket, hull shell and water, the crews and ship deck. Secondly, the research progresses of various tribological problems in marine tribology aspects, including the main power machinery and equipment, auxiliary machinery and equipment, hull interface, were reviewed and presented in the manuscript. Furthermore, the role of marine tribology was proposed, included energy conservation and emissions reduction, prolonging the service life of mechanical system and improving the operation efficiency of the marine, etc. Finally, for the development trends of relative studies on marine tribology are prospected combined the research status of marine tribology and the development needs of shipping industry.